Wednesday, February 10, 2010

Police chief fined after collision

NSW Police Commissioner Andrew Scipione has been fined $253 and three points were deducted from his licence after he failed to give way at a give-way sign, causing a collision on Saturday.

A Traffic Infringement Notice was served on his office today, police said.

Mr Scipione admitted the collision was not the first time he has been involved in an accident.
He was making a right-hand turn at Belmore Road, Peakhurst, in Sydney's south-west, when he failed to see an oncoming vehicle.

His wife, Joy, and a female passenger in the other car were taken to hospital but neither sustained serious injuries.

Mr Scipione admitted immediately he was the at-fault driver, but he has been reluctant to confirm whether he had previously caused an accident.

"What I don't really want to do is go back into my driving record. But I have driven for 35 years and worked as a policeman for a long time," he told reporters today.

"Having said that I have been involved in accidents on duty and off duty."

At the time of the accident, Mr Scipione had stopped at a give-way signal and was attempting a right-hand turn following an oncoming four-wheel-drive.

He said he crept forward but failed to see the car travelling behind the four-wheel-drive and caused the collision.

Mr Scipione said his wife was recovering from slight whiplash and the elderly couple in the other car were now fine.

He said he had spoken to the couple at the accident scene and at the hospital, but "certainly did not say anything" that identified him as police commissioner, because he was off duty.

He said he had nothing to hide and admitted he did not pay adequate attention to the road manoeuvre he was trying to make.

"I got it wrong, I made a mistake," he said.

"I am the at-fault driver and, notwithstanding, I understand the insurance is not too happy with me admitting fault."

AAP

My comment~ I think it is really fair and it should be no exception for government stuff as well, especially police who catches people who violates the rule...Also, we have to be careful and cautious no matter who we are, pedestrians, drivers or cyclists...

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